The Hindu 16.08.2012
Water bodies lost to encroachments
Gollapudi Srinivasa RaoResidential colonies are replacing tanks like Bala Samundar, Chinna Waddepally
The Nizam-era Bala Samundar tank that catered to the drinking water needs of Hanamkonda town has disappeared over the decades. In its place, a residential colony `Balasamudram’ has come up, the land there being most sought after.
Senior citizen and academic G. Srinivas in his memoirs Magic of the Middles beautifully documented the times when people came in bullock carts with huge pots to draw water from the Bala Samundar.However, now, there are no chirping birds and white cranes that once enchanted the children in the region.
The Chinna Waddepally tank in Desaipet area in Warangal town is facing the same fate. Once spread over 200 acres with huge catchment area and ayacut under it, it was a haven for the townsfolk.
Presently, it neither has the catchment nor the ayacut. Scores of residential colonies have come up all around, reducing it to a mere puddle. With individuals eyeing the precious land in its tank bed, some active citizens floated the ‘Chinna Waddepally Parirakshana Committee’ to highlight the encroachment of tank land. since 2000.
The Mandal Revenue Officers of Warangal town brought the encroachment to the notice of District Collectors in 2003 and 2010. They urged the Collector to direct municipal authorities not to give door numbers and not to provide any facilities to houses that came up in the tank bed.
Over the years, the boundaries of the tank disappeared. It has now completely dried up due to the absence of a catchment area.It only stores rain water and is mainly used for Ganesh idols’ immersion.
The local chapter of INTACH in its Public Interest Litigation filed before the High Court prayed for the preservation and protection of several tanks including the Chinna Waddepally tank. “It is time that boundaries are fixed and a bund laid all around to prevent further encroachment. The tank can be used for storing water to meet drinking water needs during summer. It will also help recharge ground water, lessening the burden on the municipal corporation,” the organisation stated before the High Court.
